"We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet."

In life we are surrounded by millions of voices crying out for our attention. Our time seems to be a commodity that we run out of faster than that any other. Most voices seek their own and claim to be the answer to our problems, but it is truth, unsoiled and untarnished, that seeks our happiness.

Truth has always come from our Father in Heaven. His love has been evidenced by the truth he has given all His children from the beginning of time. Said James of the New Testament, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and is shall be given him"(James 1:5).

Our Father is not a God who reserves his truth for his chosen few. No, what makes us chosen is what we do with that truth once we hear it. And it is my testimony that we all shall hear it.

God has, from the beginning of the world, called prophets to preach His word plainly to all of His children. They have been chosen by Him, commisioned by Him, and are given His spirit so that all honest seekers of truth may confirm the validity of their words. But the great truth is, the words are not theirs.

Prophets will guide, counsel, command, and preach with pure love. In fact, it is impossible to preach the truth without feeling that love. Truth cannot be strengthed, it is pure and flows from the fountains of Heaven, all though the truth will strengthen us.

It is the unflinching humble testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that God still sends His prophets even in this day. And Oh, how we need them! They are not men who have sought their callings. They have no divine birthright which entitles them to their calling. They have not studied in schools or seminaries to gain their postitions. No, they have only sought to keep the commandments of God and are humble followers of Christ.

As someone who has met them, heard their words, shaken their hands, and practiced their teachings, I give my witness that the first presidency and council of the twelve apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are God's messengers. They preach the truth, and I sustain them as prophets, seers, and revelators. They are true disciples of Christ and I testify of how humble they are.

May I share a modern example.

In the October 2006 general conference of the church President Gordon B. Hinckley then presided as the president of the church. The latter-day saints have always a great love for our prophet and President Hinckley was no exception. As he was getting on in years his quiet and humble testimony was a beacon of strength, his optimistic attitude was a staple of his life, and his love for the saints was felt in every word.

Elder Jeffery R. Holland of the quormn of the twelve apostles was the concluding speaker at the last session. He gave a powerful witness of the need for modern prophets and he rejoiced that there were, "prophets in the land again."

President Hinckley then gave his closing remarks which were brief and borne in that oh-so-humble way of his.

The closing hymn that the choir sang was a favorite among the saints, We Thank Thee O' God For A Prophet. Tlhe choir as always sang beautifully and the spirit filled the conference center.

Then something happened. The conductor then turned to the congregation and led them all in a reprise of the first verse,

We thank thee O God for a prophet to guide us in these latter days.

We thank thee for sending the gospel to lighten our minds with its rays.

We thank thee for every blessing bestowed by thy bounteous hand.

We feel it a pleasure to serve thee, and love to obey thy command.

It is the custom in these conferences to stand during the intermediate hymn, mainly to give everyone the chance to stretch their legs. Without provocation or even instruction, the entire congregation rose to their feet singing this song of adoration to their prophet. The general authorities sitted on the stand also stood and joined with the saints.

Now, here you have a conference center which holds 21,000 people all singing praise to their prophet. President Hinckley had mainly remained seated during the two day conference and had President Monson, his first councilor, do most of the conducting. If he had remained seated the congregation would have not thought any less of him. Honestly, he derseved it. He was a man beloved by all. Now, President Hinckley always said that this hymn was in tribute to the Prophet Joseph Smith and a lesser man would had let all of this well earned attention go to himself, but the miracle of Gordon Bitner Hinckley is that he stood.

He joined in with the rest of the saints singing praise and gratitude for a prophet in these latter days. Why? Because Gordon B. Hinckley knows who's church this is.

The entire congregation remained standing during the rest of the hymn and through the closing prayer. Seasoned general authorities reached for hanckerchiefs to wipe tears from their eyes and everyone mingled tears of gratitude and praise of a God who loves us so completely to send a living prophet to us.

We do thank thee O God for a prophet to guide us in these latter days.

That he has given us the gift of a prophet is truly one of the many gifts bestowed by His bounteous hand is my witness and testimony.